Heat

LeBron Gets Well-Deserved Day Off Thursday

MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat reacts to a three point play during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Arena on January 2, 2013 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Miami Heat

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami Heat superstar forward LeBron James got some well-deserved time off Thursday and received treatment for a knee bruise, according to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald.

James has been playing a lot of minutes for the Heat in recent games, including 48 minutes in the Heat’s win against Orlando and another 42 minutes against the Mavericks, according to the Herald. While James is in the prime of his career and more than willing to play the minutes, the Heat also have to look forward to the playoffs.

The Heat has played 30 games this season and James has scored at least 20 points per game in every game, which is the longest streak of his career. Overall, James is averaging 26.5 points per game and is carrying a 54 percent shooting percentage from the field.

“I’m playing good basketball,” James said. “Am I at my highest peak? I don’t know. I don’t know if I can continue to improve. I want to. I’m going to study the game; I’m going to continue to not take anything for granted and work on my game each and every day in some way, shape or form.”

It won’t be surprising if the Heat try to dial back on LeBron’s minutes in the next few months as the team takes the long view towards the playoffs. Keeping the NBA’s reigning MVP and best player in top shape for another Finals run is job number one for the Heat.

But keeping LeBron off the floor is something easier said than done.

James is expected to be available for the Heat when they take on the Chicago Bulls Friday night at the American Airlines Arena.